The Sports National Anthem Protests Just Got Even More Ridiculous

Not that it was ever a legitimate or worthwhile cause, but somehow Black Lives Matter protesters have found a way to making kneeling during the Star-Spangled Banner even more ridiculous.

At a preseason game between the Miami Head and the Philadelphia 76ers, Denasia Lawrence sang the National Anthem WHILE KNEELING and wearing a Black Lives Matter t-shirt. Seriously??

According to the Sun Sentinel, the woman is a part-time employee of the Miami Heat who works on the team’s game-night operations staff as well as a social worker.

In an entry on her Facebook page, the social worker posted early Saturday morning, “When I took the opportunity to sing the national anthem at the Heat game, it was bigger than me. Right now, we’re seeing a war on Black & Brown bodies— we’re being unjustly killed and overly criminalized. I took the opportunity to sing AND kneel; to show that we belong in this country AND that we have the right to respectfully protest injustices against us. I took the opportunity to sing AND kneel to show that, I too, am America.

“As a social worker, I’ve worked with youth, families and veterans, and every day they all teach me the value of fighting against injustice — that all are treated equally no matter their race, gender, sexual orientation, or physical abilities.

“I didn’t get paid to sing the national anthem; nor was this moment about any sort of fame. Black Lives Matter is far larger than a hashtag, it’s a rallying cry. And until our cry is rightfully heard, protests will still happen and demands will still be made!”

As they had done during their previous two exhibitions, Heat players and coaches stood at attention for the anthem with their arms locked.

The Heat issued a statement during the game that read, “We were unaware of it ahead of time.”

Miami Forward Justise Winslow had the right attitude about the importance of showing respect for the flag.

“I saw her kneel, and I understand where she’s coming from,” Winslow said. “I understand her opinion on it. But as a team, we try to show unity and respect for the flag.

“We also know that there are changes, social changes that need to happen in our community. But as a team we felt to pay respect for the flag while also showing unity and raise awareness for the issue at the same time.”

Unlike in the NFL, NBA players have it written into their contracts that they must stand during the National Anthem, so that league will not be plagued by the stupid, disrespectful displays that the NFL has seen.